By Stephen Witt
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson yesterday announced and celebrated the expansion of a proven resource for Angelenos who are currently — or at risk of — facing eviction into South LA.
The program, dubbed We Are LA, sees the Mayor’s Fund partner with the City’s FamilySource Centers across Los Angeles. The We Are LA Crenshaw casework office opened yesterday to help connect Angelenos in danger of becoming homeless to every available resource.
Trenely Garcia, a We Are LA Client and tenant in Los Angeles, helped celebrate the opening with a mural.
“This situation had me so worried to the point where I couldn’t sleep and I just didn’t know what I was going to do,” said Garcia. “I felt alone until We Are LA helped me. They are amazing. I feel like they are my family looking out for me. Receiving an eviction notice was devastating. As a lifelong LA resident and artist, the thought of leaving the city where I have built my career was heartbreaking. Thanks to the Mayor’s Fund ‘We Are LA’ program, I was able to negotiate with my landlord and stay in my home.
We Are LA caseworkers provide individuals and families with one-on-one, personal support, helping them overcome obstacles like filling out applications for services, using unfamiliar technology, language barriers and accessing legal aid.
Results from an independent research study conducted by Loyola Marymount University found that the We Are LA program, since launching two years ago, has helped more than 105,000 Angelenos connect to benefits and legal services to help them remain in their homes.
“Preventing people from falling into homelessness is key to our efforts in addressing this humanitarian crisis,” said Bass. “Results show that this program is working, and with a second consecutive decline in homelessness for the first time in recent history, we must continue this momentum. With more than 1,000 Angelenos served since it opened in June, I know that this office and We Are LA will continue to make change in Los Angeles.”
“Housing is the foundation for stability, dignity, and opportunity,” said Harris-Dawson. “The expansion of We Are LA into the Crenshaw District and Council District Eight opens doors to hope, resources, and a future where every Angeleno has the chance to thrive.”
The following resources are available at the Mayor’s Fund We Are LA Crenshaw casework office, the City’s FamilySource Centers and the We Are LA Hotline (213-584-1808):
- Caseworkers for one-on-one support in responding to eviction notices and filing court responses to fight eviction.
- Referrals to the Eviction Defense Network for legal representation by an attorney in court.
- Assistance applying for all eligibility-based benefits (Medi-Cal, SNAP) and unclaimed tax credits.
- Assistance for veterans and foster youth.
